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Thu, 08 June 2017
PM Modi, Nawaz Sharif exchange greetings in Astana
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23:43 PM Modi, Nawaz Sharif exchange greetings in Astana
Amid strained ties between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif exchanged greetings at at a cultural gala in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Media reports claimed that PM Modi inquired about Sharif's health.
Reports also said that Modi enquired about Sharif's mother and his family.
Modi, Sharif, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were among the top leaders who attended the reception hosted by Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Both Modi and Sharif arrived in Astana today to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit which will tomorrow induct both India and Pakistan as its full members.
Ties between India and Pakistan have nosedived over a range of issues including beheading of two soldiers by the Pakistan military along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and the death sentence handed down to former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav by a military court in Pakistan on charges of spying. The International Court of Justice has stayed Jadhav's execution.
23:23 Even Modi couldn't predict BJP's massive win in 2014: Rajnath
Narendra Modi, who led the BJP to a clear-cut majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, could not predict during the campaign that the victory would be so huge, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in Mumbai on Thursday.
He was speaking to reporters about the NDA government's completion of three years in office.
"I was the party president then and Narendra Modi was the chief campaigner. During the campaign we often discussed people's response. There was a common assumption that the BJP would do fairly well and we would come to power with help from other parties.
"After the last phase of campaign, I asked Narendra bhai about his estimate (of BJP's chances). But he said can't say anything (bataya nahee jaa sakata). This was the situation," Singh said.
"This was the mindset even in our earlier generations. The founding fathers never dreamt that the BJP would one day become the world's largest political organisation and win such a strong mandate," he said.
"Today the BJP has some 11 crore members, which is more than the population of some countries," he added.
People in the country proved Congress leaders, who used to say that only the Congress can run a government, wrong, the Union minister said.
22:59 Pak urges ICJ to expedite Jadhav case hearing
Pakistan on Thursday urged the International Court of Justice to adopt an expedited timetable for an early "substantive" hearing of the Kulbhushan Jadhav case as the "agents" of India and Pakistan discussed procedural matters with the court's President.
A meeting took place between ICJ President Ronny Abraham and the delegations of India and Pakistan to discuss the timelines in the Jadhav case, according to a statement from the office of the Pakistan Attorney General.
"This was not a hearing and no discussion on the substance or merits of the case took place," it said.
"The purpose of the meeting was only to discuss procedural matters including the timelines for submission of written Memorials and to enable a hearing to be listed," it said.
Indian national Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged espionage.
India on May 8 moved the ICJ against the death penalty. The next day, the global court gave Jadhav, 46, a lease of life and stayed the death sentence as a provisional measure.
Pakistan claims its security forces arrested Jadhav from its restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.
During the agents' meeting at the Hague, the ICJ president sought the views of the parties as to time required for the submission of their written pleadings and supporting evidence called Memorials, the statement said.
21:54 Comparing army chief to General Dyer is sad: Navy chief
Comparing Army chief Bipin Rawat to General Dyer, who had earned notoriety for ordering the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, is a "sad comparison", his naval counterpart Admiral Sunil Lanba said today.
Academician Partha Chatterjee, in a piece published on a news website, had drawn comparison between Rawat and Dyer after the former commended Major Leetul Gogoi's action of using a civilian as a human shield in Kashmir.
"It is a sad comparison and is uncalled for," Lanba said.
On April 13, 1919, Dyer had ordered firing on unarmed people gathered at the Jallianwala Baug in Amritsar.
The Navy chief was speaking on the sidelines of an flag-in ceremony of Indian Naval Mountaineering Team.
In an interview, Rawat had also said that the Indian Army is fully ready for a "two-and-a-half front (China, Pakistan and internal security requirements simultaneously) war".
To this, Lanba sought to buttress the point saying, "The Indian armed forces are always ready for any contingency."
21:21 18 naxals involved in attack on CRPF personnel arrested
As many as 18 naxals allegedly involved in the deadly attack on the Central Reserve Police Force personnel in April, were today arrested from two places in the insurgency-hit Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, an official said.
"While 10 cadres were apprehended from Chintagufa police station area, eight others were caught from Chintalnar police station limits by separate joint teams of security forces," Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dantewada range) Sundarraj P told PTI.
The composite squads of District Reserve Guard, district force and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) were out on a search operation in the forests of Chintagufa and Chintalnar, around 450 kms away from Raipur.
Podiyam Kosa (28), Kawasi Joga (28), Madvi Aaytu (23) and Oyam Sukka (22) are some of the key rebels among those held, he said.
Kosa and Joga were active as Maoist janmilitia commander and deputy janmilitia commander respectively.
Similarly, while Aaytu was active as commander of Chetna Natya Mandli -- a frontal wing of Maoist, Sukka was CNM deputy commander.
Rest of the 14 arrested ultras were associated with Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisaan Mazdoor Sangthan, janatana sarkar and other lower rung squad of Maoists, he said.
All of them were allegedly involved in the attack on the Central Reserve Police Force personnel, belonging to 74th battalion, on April 24 last, in Burkapal area under Chintagufa police station limits, in which 25 troopers were
killed, the DIG said.
Besides, they were also allegedly involved in the attack on a police party in Minpa area (Sukma) in 2013 and other naxal incidents, including loot, arson, murder and triggering IED blasts, the DIG said.
21:04 I believe Trump fired me over Russia probe: Comey
Former FBI Director James Comey said that he believes that President Donald Trump fired him over Russia investigation.
During his testimony before the Senate, he also said that Trump did not ask him to stop the investigation.
- I believe the President fired me over the Russia investigation
- The President did not ask me to stop Russia investigation
- Perceived Trump request to drop Flynn probe as an order.
- FBI colleagues were as shocked and troubled by Trump's request to drop Flynn probe
- Common sense told me that Trump was looking to get something in exchange for keeping my FBI job
- Created records after conversations with Trump; knew that I may have to 'defend FBI integrity'
- Was concerned Trump might lie about the nature of a private meeting.
- Trump was not under FBI investigation while I was director
Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
20:02 No doubt Russia interfered with US election: Ex-FBI chief Comey
Former FBI Director James Comey's testimony is underway before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
In his opening remarks, Comey said that there is no doubt Russia interfered with the US election.
Comey said that he wants Americans to know FBI is honest, strong and always will be independent.
He also said that the administration chose to defame him and the FBI by saying organization was in disarray.
Comey further said that Trump had repeatedly told him he was doing a great job.
19:52 Visit Dalit homes, have food with them: BJP top brass to party leaders
As part of the party's Dalit outreach, BJP's top brass has asked Union ministers and senior functionaries to have a meal at a Dalit household while visiting different states as part of the Modi government's third anniversary celebrations.
"While they (Union ministers and party leaders) will talk about the achievements of the government and also ensure that they enroll as many people as they can with the party," a Union minister said.
BJP functionaries as well as ministers have been given a set of instructions as the party celebrates its three year at the Centre.
"They have been asked to pan out across the country, stay overnight in the northeast states, talk extensively about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, enroll members in the party and have at least one meal with a Dalit family," the minister said.
Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma shared a meal with a Dalit family today at Nuapada during his visit to Odisha.
He also registered 45 members of the household as BJP members.
Earlier, Union Power minister Piyush Goyal followed the party's diktat and paid a visit to a Dalit home at the Ambedkar Colony in Hongasandra, Bommanahalli of Karnataka, where he ate breakfast cooked by the lady of the house.
The leader later gushed about the food and the family's hospitality.
Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa has also been seen having food with Dalit families since the last fortnight.
The trend begin with the party chief Amit Shah visiting a Dalit family and sharing lunch with them in Telengana during his visit to the state between May 22-24.
Image: BJP President Amit Shah having a meal with a Dalit family in Telangana
19:20 Visit Dalit homes, have food with them: BJP top brass to party leaders
As part of the party's Dalit outreach, BJP's top brass has asked Union ministers and senior functionaries to have a meal at a Dalit household while visiting different states as part of the Modi government's third anniversary celebrations.
"While they (Union ministers and party leaders) will talk about the achievements of the government and also ensure that they enroll as many people as they can with the party," a Union minister said.
BJP functionaries as well as ministers have been given a set of instructions as the party celebrates its three year at the Centre.
"They have been asked to pan out across the country, stay overnight in the northeast states, talk extensively about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, enroll members in the party and have at least one meal with a Dalit family," the minister said.
Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma shared a meal with a Dalit family today at Nuapada during his visit to Odisha.
He also registered 45 members of the household as BJP members.
Earlier, Union Power minister Piyush Goyal followed the party's diktat and paid a visit to a Dalit home at the Ambedkar Colony in Hongasandra, Bommanahalli of Karnataka, where he ate breakfast cooked by the lady of the house.
The leader later gushed about the food and the family's hospitality.
Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa has also been seen having food with Dalit families since the last fortnight.
The trend begin with the party chief Amit Shah visiting a Dalit family and sharing lunch with them in Telengana during his visit to the state between May 22-24.
Image: BJP President Amit Shah having a meal with a Dalit family in Telangana
18:45 Internet blocked in Saharanpur after Bhim Army founder's arrest
Internet services in Saharanpur have been blocked for two days to prevent social media being misused to foment tension following the arrest of Bhim Army founder Chandrashekhar, the main accused in the recent violence in the district, the police said today.
"Internet facilities have been blocked for two days by District Magistrate, Saharanpur," IG, (Crime), Hariram Sharma told mediapersons.
He said that a total of 46 FIRs have been registered ever since inter-caste violence broke out in Saharanpur last month.
As many as 206 arrests have been made so far, including that of Chandrasekhar, who has been booked under three FIRs, he said.
Chandrasekhar, 30, was nabbed from the Dalhousie area of Himachal Pradesh, Additional DG (Meerut Zone) Anand Kumar told PTI over phone.
He will be brought to Saharanpur on a transit remand.
Earlier, two members of the Bhim Army were also arrested in Saharanpur over their alleged involvement in the Ramnagar caste violence that took place on May 9.
The Saharanpur district saw repeated violence after one person was killed and several others injured in a clash between Dalits and Thakurs at Shabbirpur village on May 5.
Chandrasekhar had since been evading arrest and the police had declared a reward of Rs 12,000 for information about his whereabouts.
18:04 Don't cremate me till CM comes to village: Maha farmer's suicide note
A debt-ridden 45-year-old farmer in Maharashtra's Solapur ended his life
by hanging himself from a tree near his house and left a suicide note
with clear instructions for the family -- "don't cremate me till Chief
Minister Devendra Fadnavis comes here".
Dhanaji Jadhav allegedly committed suicide at Veet village in Solapur district late last night, leaving behind a note purportedly stating that he should not be cremated till Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visits his place and fulfils their demands, Collector Rajendra Bhosale said.
Jadhav's suicide note, addressed to his friends and relatives, said, "I am a farmer, Dhanaji Chandrakant Jadhav. I am committing suicide today. Please take my body to village and do not cremate me till Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis comes here."
Solapur's Guardian Minister Vijay Deshmukh visited the village today.
Bhosale, who has 2.5 acres of cultivable land, is survived by wife and two children. He had a debt of around Rs 60,000 and had also taken loans from some private lenders, police said.
The farmers' organisations have called for a bandh in the area.
Senior officials and police teams have been rushed to Bhosale's village to prevent the situation from spiralling into a law and order issue, the official said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been under attack by opposition parties and BJP's ally Shiv Sena over sustained protests by farmers across Maharashtra for last one week, resulting in sharp rise in agri commodity prices.
Fadnavis' recent statement promising a loan waiver by October 31 has failed to pacify the agitating farmers, who have continued with their stir.
Since this year began, more than 700 farmers have committed suicide, most of them in the drought-prone areas of Vidarbha and Marathwada, trapped in a cycle of debt and failed crops.
Apart from debt relief, farmers have been asking the government to ensure they are paid more for their produce.
Image: Residents of Veet village called for a bandh in the area
Dhanaji Jadhav allegedly committed suicide at Veet village in Solapur district late last night, leaving behind a note purportedly stating that he should not be cremated till Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visits his place and fulfils their demands, Collector Rajendra Bhosale said.
Jadhav's suicide note, addressed to his friends and relatives, said, "I am a farmer, Dhanaji Chandrakant Jadhav. I am committing suicide today. Please take my body to village and do not cremate me till Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis comes here."
Solapur's Guardian Minister Vijay Deshmukh visited the village today.
Bhosale, who has 2.5 acres of cultivable land, is survived by wife and two children. He had a debt of around Rs 60,000 and had also taken loans from some private lenders, police said.
The farmers' organisations have called for a bandh in the area.
Senior officials and police teams have been rushed to Bhosale's village to prevent the situation from spiralling into a law and order issue, the official said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been under attack by opposition parties and BJP's ally Shiv Sena over sustained protests by farmers across Maharashtra for last one week, resulting in sharp rise in agri commodity prices.
Fadnavis' recent statement promising a loan waiver by October 31 has failed to pacify the agitating farmers, who have continued with their stir.
Since this year began, more than 700 farmers have committed suicide, most of them in the drought-prone areas of Vidarbha and Marathwada, trapped in a cycle of debt and failed crops.
Apart from debt relief, farmers have been asking the government to ensure they are paid more for their produce.
Image: Residents of Veet village called for a bandh in the area
17:58 India constantly monitoring situation in Qatar: Sushma
India is constantly monitoring the situation in Qatar, which is facing diplomatic isolation by four major Arab countries that have also closed air, sea and land links with it. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain announced on Monday they were cutting diplomatic ties and closing all connectivity links with Qatar, giving Qataris within their borders two weeks to leave.
"...We are constantly monitoring the situation in Qatar," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said. She was replying to a tweet seeking the government's help to bring back a few Indians stuck in Qatar.
"@SushmaSwaraj My brother wid other Indians stuck in Qatar wid storage of basic enmities ,they need our govn help. Plz hlp to bring dem back (sic)," a Twitter user posted.
The four countries have suspended all flights to and from Qatar, pulled their ambassadors from Doha and ordered Qatari diplomats to leave.
"...We are constantly monitoring the situation in Qatar," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said. She was replying to a tweet seeking the government's help to bring back a few Indians stuck in Qatar.
"@SushmaSwaraj My brother wid other Indians stuck in Qatar wid storage of basic enmities ,they need our govn help. Plz hlp to bring dem back (sic)," a Twitter user posted.
The four countries have suspended all flights to and from Qatar, pulled their ambassadors from Doha and ordered Qatari diplomats to leave.
17:54 Is govt collecting Krishi Kalyan cess for bullets to shoot farmers, asks CPI(M)
"Are people paying the Krishi Kalyan cess so the government could buy bullets to shoot farmers?" the CPI(M) asked today as it attacked the Centre over the violent stir by cultivators in Madhya Pradesh.
The Left party's criticism of the government comes after five protesting farmers were killed, allegedly in police firing, in Mandsaur district in the state.
The CPI(M) held the "callous" attitude of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra for the widespread protests there and asked them to take steps to stop the "disastrous" conditions of farmers.
Taking to Twitter, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the "brave" Centre was parrying queries on the stir from the media.
The Left party's criticism of the government comes after five protesting farmers were killed, allegedly in police firing, in Mandsaur district in the state.
The CPI(M) held the "callous" attitude of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra for the widespread protests there and asked them to take steps to stop the "disastrous" conditions of farmers.
Taking to Twitter, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the "brave" Centre was parrying queries on the stir from the media.
17:52 Modi, Kazakh President discuss ways to expand bilateral ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called on Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana and discussed ways to expand bilateral ties. He met Nazarbayev soon after arriving in Astana on a two-day visit during which he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit where India and Pakistan will be inducted as full members of the bloc.
"Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met PM @narendramodi and discussed ways to expand bilateral ties," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.
"Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met PM @narendramodi and discussed ways to expand bilateral ties," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.
17:43 Coming up: Farmers' protests in Punjab
Amid protests in Madhya Pradesh, farmers in Punjab have decided to launch a statewide agitation on June 12 to press for debt waiver and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's report.
17:33 Rahul released from 'jail', will meet farmers in MP-Rajasthan border
Congress VP Rahul Gandhi has been released. He was arrested and kept in a makeshift jail in Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh. He will be meeting the family members of the farmers killed by the police during protests at the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border, inside Rajasthan. He cannot meet them in Madhya Pradesh.
Rahul spoke to families of the deceased farmers on the phone from the makeshift jail in Neemuch. @OfficeofRG, his official twitter handle, said he conveyed his condolences to the families. "I'm here to meet them & will not be deterred from voicing their concerns."
Rahul was arrested before he could reach Mandsaur, the epicentre of the violent farmer protests, which have seen the deaths of five farmers. Rahul attempted to defy police barricades as he swapped his car for a bike, then hopped on to another bike, and finally set out on foot through fields before he was taken to a guesthouse that served as a makeshift jail.
File pic.
Rahul spoke to families of the deceased farmers on the phone from the makeshift jail in Neemuch. @OfficeofRG, his official twitter handle, said he conveyed his condolences to the families. "I'm here to meet them & will not be deterred from voicing their concerns."
Rahul was arrested before he could reach Mandsaur, the epicentre of the violent farmer protests, which have seen the deaths of five farmers. Rahul attempted to defy police barricades as he swapped his car for a bike, then hopped on to another bike, and finally set out on foot through fields before he was taken to a guesthouse that served as a makeshift jail.
File pic.
17:19 Pak army giving 'artillery cover' to armed intruders in JK: Indian Army
The Army today accused their Pakistani counterpart of engineering infiltration of armed militant into Kashmir, saying these groups were being provided active support, including covering fire, during their infiltration bids at the Line of Control.
"Indian Army units deployed along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir have foiled multiple attempts made by Pakistan army to push armed infiltrators across the LoC", Defence spokesperson of Northern Command said today.
He said that in the last 48 hours, infiltration attempts have been foiled at Gurez, Machhil, Naugam and Uri Sectors. "Seven armed intruders have been eliminated so far," he said.
He further said that a large quantity of arms, ammunition and war like stores have been recovered and operations are in progress at Machhil, Naugam and Uri sectors.
"Indian Army units deployed along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir have foiled multiple attempts made by Pakistan army to push armed infiltrators across the LoC", Defence spokesperson of Northern Command said today.
He said that in the last 48 hours, infiltration attempts have been foiled at Gurez, Machhil, Naugam and Uri Sectors. "Seven armed intruders have been eliminated so far," he said.
He further said that a large quantity of arms, ammunition and war like stores have been recovered and operations are in progress at Machhil, Naugam and Uri sectors.
17:06 Alleged middleman in AIADMK poll symbol case brought to Coimbatore
Sukesh Chandrashekhar, arrested by the Delhi police for allegedly taking money from AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran to bribe Election Commission officials in the poll symbol case, was today produced before a court in Coimbatore in connection with a cheating case.
Sukesh, who was in Tihar jail in Delhi after his arrest in April, was brought on transit warrant by the Delhi police along with the city police.
The case against Chandrasekhar here was that he had cheated a merchant of Rs 2.40 lakh in 2010.
Sukesh reportedly called Rajavelu, a kitchen equipment dealer, stating that he was speaking from the Karnataka chief minister's office and demanded Rs 2.40 lakh for sanctioning a tender he had submitted.
He received the amount from Rajavelu in instalments. Later, knowing that he was cheated, Rajavelu lodged a complaint with the cyber police, who registered cases against Sukesh and his father Chandrasekhar.
Both were arrested and let out on bail three years ago. Sukesh and his father failed to appear before the judicial magistrate court in Coimbatore in connection with the case on January 9, following which an arrest warrant was issued.
After Sukesh's arrest by Delhi police, the local police contacted them and sought their help to bring him to the city. The Delhi police brought Sukesh by train and produced him before the magistrate, who remanded Sukesh to judicial custody till June 22.
His petition seeking bail comes up for hearing on June 12.
17:01 Rohan Bopanna wins French Open mixed doubles title
India's Rohan Bopanna won his first Grand Slam as he and his Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski edged past Germany's Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Colombia's Robert Farah in the final of the mixed doubles at the French Open in Paris, on Thursday.
Bopanna and Dabrowski registered a hardfought 6-2, 2-6, 12-10 victory.
He is only the fourth Indian to win a Grand Slam trophy after Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza.
16:37 Rahul won't seek bail, speaks to farmers' kin on phone
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi speaks to family members of deceased farmers on phone. Sources said Gandhi won't be returning without meeting the farmers in Mandsaur.
Families of deceased farmers waited to meet Gandhi outside the premises where he's been kept. Sources also said that he won't seek bail until allowed to meet them.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who accompanied Gandhi on the visit, said, "Families of victims are hardly 1 km away from us, they want to meet us but police is stopping them. We are here only to express solidarity with them and appeal for calm & peace but police is using brute force." -- ANI
Families of deceased farmers waited to meet Gandhi outside the premises where he's been kept. Sources also said that he won't seek bail until allowed to meet them.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who accompanied Gandhi on the visit, said, "Families of victims are hardly 1 km away from us, they want to meet us but police is stopping them. We are here only to express solidarity with them and appeal for calm & peace but police is using brute force." -- ANI
15:54 Kerala assembly passes resolution against cattle slaughter ban
Special session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly passes a resolution against the Centre's 'unconstitutional usurpation of State rights', tweets Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan. "The Constitution espouses federalism and defines rights of Centre and States. Parliament has no right to pass laws on State subjects," the Kerala CM tweeted.
Addressing the special session of the Kerala Assembly, Vijayan said the Centres move would hurt the economy and the farmers. He said the BJP was seeking to introduce a new rule to impose the RSS' political agenda.
Vijayan had called a special session of the state assembly to discuss the Centre's notification on the sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter.
Vijayan said that the Centre's move against cow slaughter would hurt the economy and farmers.
Addressing the special session of the Kerala Assembly, Vijayan said the Centres move would hurt the economy and the farmers. He said the BJP was seeking to introduce a new rule to impose the RSS' political agenda.
Vijayan had called a special session of the state assembly to discuss the Centre's notification on the sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter.
Vijayan said that the Centre's move against cow slaughter would hurt the economy and farmers.
15:47 When I Write Fiction, Im in My Body as a Different Person
Arundhati Roy on balancing her dual identity as fiery political commentator and soft-spoken novelist. Read the interview here.
15:46 PM arrives in Astana
PM Narendra Modi arrives in Astana (Kazakhstan) to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
15:45 Mandsaur: Curfew lifted from 4 pm-6 pm for women, children
JUST IN: Curfew lifted for women and children in Mandsaur from 4 pm to 6 pm. Round-the-clock curfew was imposed in Mandsaur town in Madhya Pradesh after five farmers were killed and over a dozen injured in police firing. The farmers were protesting in Mandsaur district of MP since Monday. Curfew was also clamped in Pipliamandi and internet has been snapped.
CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a judicial inquiry and said that anti-social elements, not farmers, were involved in the violence. However, his home minister Bhupendra Singh today admitted that the farmers had been killed by the police. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the dead and Rs 1 lakh to those injured.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and other senior party leaders were arrested by the police when they tried to make their way to Mandsaur, ground zero of the protests.
CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a judicial inquiry and said that anti-social elements, not farmers, were involved in the violence. However, his home minister Bhupendra Singh today admitted that the farmers had been killed by the police. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the dead and Rs 1 lakh to those injured.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and other senior party leaders were arrested by the police when they tried to make their way to Mandsaur, ground zero of the protests.
15:26 Fire in Chandni Chowk
A fire broke out in a three-storey building located behind Gurudwara Sis Ganj in Chandni Chowk this afternoon. A call to alert the Delhi Fire Services about the fire was received at 1.02 pm, a senior official said. As many as 15 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to the douse the blaze that has spread across the three floors of the building.
15:24 Will meet my fans again: Rajinikanth
Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth today said he would meet his fans again stepping up expectations about the possibility of his entry into politics. After telling his fans last month that his entry into politics was in the hands of God even while asking them to prepare ground for a war, he said he will meet his fans in the coming days.
Arriving in Chennai after winding up the shooting for the first schedule of his upcoming Tamil flick "Kaala," in Mumbai, he said he was very satisfied about the work done so far.
Rajinikanth at the session with his fans last month had asked them to prepare the ground for a war, saying they would have to assemble when the battle was fought. In the olden days, he said, kings seldom maintained standing armies but the men turned up when duty called, he said.
Also read:Rajini 2.0 and the making of a political Thalaiva
Arriving in Chennai after winding up the shooting for the first schedule of his upcoming Tamil flick "Kaala," in Mumbai, he said he was very satisfied about the work done so far.
Rajinikanth at the session with his fans last month had asked them to prepare the ground for a war, saying they would have to assemble when the battle was fought. In the olden days, he said, kings seldom maintained standing armies but the men turned up when duty called, he said.
Also read:Rajini 2.0 and the making of a political Thalaiva
15:12 Dangal actress trolled for wearing swimsuit during Ramzan
Photographs of Dangal girl Fatima Sana Shaikh, chilling out on the
beach in a black one-piece swimsuit went viral on the internet yesterday, with fans going cross-eyed over how lovely she looked. But, there were many, who trolled the actress for her attire.
The actress was s**t-shamed for dressing 'inappropriately' during the holy month of Ramzan. Here's another picture of the stunner.
Here is what some users commented on her photo:
A Instagram user wrote, "How does it matter what she is wearing and what not? The practicing Muslim can never indulge in such a cheap tactics. She is a Muslim by her name n not by her doings. So ignore n move on. She doesn't deserve our time in this beautiful month. We have many important things to do than wasting our time with her."
Another Instagram user wrote, "I'm not sensitive or abusing. I myself loved Fatima in Dangal but this kind of post in Ramadan was not expected from actress like her. Thts all I wanted to say she do and wear whatever she wants to but show some dignity atleast in this pious month of Ramzan."
"Fatime shame on u..at least u could have think of Ramzan," shared another user.
While many started trolling her for her choice of attire, Fatima had her share of supporters as well.
On the work front, Fatima will be seen in Vijay Krishna Acharya's 'Thugs Of Hindostan,' alongside Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Katrina Kaif.
The film will hit theatres in 2018.
The actress was s**t-shamed for dressing 'inappropriately' during the holy month of Ramzan. Here's another picture of the stunner.
Here is what some users commented on her photo:
A Instagram user wrote, "How does it matter what she is wearing and what not? The practicing Muslim can never indulge in such a cheap tactics. She is a Muslim by her name n not by her doings. So ignore n move on. She doesn't deserve our time in this beautiful month. We have many important things to do than wasting our time with her."
Another Instagram user wrote, "I'm not sensitive or abusing. I myself loved Fatima in Dangal but this kind of post in Ramadan was not expected from actress like her. Thts all I wanted to say she do and wear whatever she wants to but show some dignity atleast in this pious month of Ramzan."
"Fatime shame on u..at least u could have think of Ramzan," shared another user.
While many started trolling her for her choice of attire, Fatima had her share of supporters as well.
On the work front, Fatima will be seen in Vijay Krishna Acharya's 'Thugs Of Hindostan,' alongside Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Katrina Kaif.
The film will hit theatres in 2018.
15:03 Comeys testimony so far: Trump is incompetent, self-destructive
"If Trump hadn't stupidly fired Comey last month, the former FBI director might not be testifying on Thursday about his nine different contacts with the president, the details of which point to obstruction of justice by Trump at the very least.
"If Comey hadn't been fired, we might not know about any of those meetings. Weirdly, Trump gave us all a gift. He thought he could kill the Russia probe by ousting Comey, without it ever occurring to him that Comey would then be free to testify about those meetings at the White House, further clarifying the extent of his obstruction, while the Trump-Russia investigation moves forward anyway, now with acting FBI director Andy McCabe and special counsel Robert Mueller sharing the helm. "
More on the Comey testimony here.
"If Comey hadn't been fired, we might not know about any of those meetings. Weirdly, Trump gave us all a gift. He thought he could kill the Russia probe by ousting Comey, without it ever occurring to him that Comey would then be free to testify about those meetings at the White House, further clarifying the extent of his obstruction, while the Trump-Russia investigation moves forward anyway, now with acting FBI director Andy McCabe and special counsel Robert Mueller sharing the helm. "
More on the Comey testimony here.
14:52 Rahul arrested in Neemuch
JUST IN: Rahul Gandhi arrested by Police in MP's Neemuch under Section-151 for 'knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse'.
The farmer movement in Madhya Pradesh moved into high political gear today as Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and other senior party leaders were first detained and then arrested by police when they tried to make their way to Mandsaur, ground zero of the protests.
Police moved in to stop Gandhi as he defied elaborate security arrangements and tried to force his way into the state from Naya Gaon in Neemuch, about 400 km from the state capital Bhopal.
Surging crowds of Congress supporters followed him, shouting slogans like "Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisaan" and "Rahul Gandhi zindabad". Hundreds of Congress workers as well as senior leaders like Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot and Madhya Pradesh legislator Jaiwardhan Singh also courted arrest.
The farmer movement in Madhya Pradesh moved into high political gear today as Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and other senior party leaders were first detained and then arrested by police when they tried to make their way to Mandsaur, ground zero of the protests.
Police moved in to stop Gandhi as he defied elaborate security arrangements and tried to force his way into the state from Naya Gaon in Neemuch, about 400 km from the state capital Bhopal.
Surging crowds of Congress supporters followed him, shouting slogans like "Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisaan" and "Rahul Gandhi zindabad". Hundreds of Congress workers as well as senior leaders like Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot and Madhya Pradesh legislator Jaiwardhan Singh also courted arrest.
14:45 Is the govt muzzling the media?
Rajdeep Sardesai on why he feels the media must turn its gaze inward as well. Read more
14:43 Pak diplomat laughed at for saying no safe sanctuaries in Pak
Pakistan's top diplomat in the US was laughed at by a Washington audience when he repeatedly insisted that there are no safe sanctuaries for terrorists in Pakistan and that the Taliban leader, who reportedly died in a hospital in Karachi, never left Afghanistan.
"What is there funny about," a visibly irritated Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, the Pakistan Ambassador to the US, told a Washington think-tank audience which burst into laughter when he repeatedly argued that there is no terrorist safe havens in Pakistan and that Mullah Omar never left Afghanistan to visit Pakistan.
The reality is, however, different, argued former US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad, who served as his country's ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and the UN.
"We have very firm evidence of his (Mullah Omar) presence in Pakistan, where he went, lived, ..hospital," he said, adding that for a long time there was the idea that bin Laden never left Afghanistan.
"There is ample evidence that while the operation was going on Haqqani network was being evacuated to safer location," the former US Ambassador to Pakistan said during a panel discussion on 'Regional Perspectives on the US Strategy in Afghanistan', at the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center.
Chaudhry appeared to be isolated as two other panelist -- the former Indian minister Manish Tewari and top American think-tank expert Ashley Tellis -- joined Khalilzad to say that terrorist safe havens continues to exist in Pakistan and there is level of support from the Pakistani establishment.
"What sanctuaries you are talking about? If you want to live in the past, you cannot solve the present. Haqqani and the Taliban are not our friends. They are not our proxies. What Quetta Shura you are talking about? What Peshawar Shura?" the Pak Ambassador questioned to an amused Washington audience, who was witness to sharp debate between him and Khalilzad.
The panel discussion had an abrupt end as the two exchanged words.
"What is there funny about," a visibly irritated Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, the Pakistan Ambassador to the US, told a Washington think-tank audience which burst into laughter when he repeatedly argued that there is no terrorist safe havens in Pakistan and that Mullah Omar never left Afghanistan to visit Pakistan.
The reality is, however, different, argued former US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad, who served as his country's ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and the UN.
"We have very firm evidence of his (Mullah Omar) presence in Pakistan, where he went, lived, ..hospital," he said, adding that for a long time there was the idea that bin Laden never left Afghanistan.
"There is ample evidence that while the operation was going on Haqqani network was being evacuated to safer location," the former US Ambassador to Pakistan said during a panel discussion on 'Regional Perspectives on the US Strategy in Afghanistan', at the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center.
Chaudhry appeared to be isolated as two other panelist -- the former Indian minister Manish Tewari and top American think-tank expert Ashley Tellis -- joined Khalilzad to say that terrorist safe havens continues to exist in Pakistan and there is level of support from the Pakistani establishment.
"What sanctuaries you are talking about? If you want to live in the past, you cannot solve the present. Haqqani and the Taliban are not our friends. They are not our proxies. What Quetta Shura you are talking about? What Peshawar Shura?" the Pak Ambassador questioned to an amused Washington audience, who was witness to sharp debate between him and Khalilzad.
The panel discussion had an abrupt end as the two exchanged words.
14:34 Naidu slams Rahul's 'photo-op yatra'
Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today accused the Congress of "instigating violence and politicising" the farmers' stir in Madhya Pradesh and termed party leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to Mandsaur as "another photo opportunity".
Naidu asked the Congress to behave in a "more mature and responsible" manner to help restore normalcy in the hotbed of the farmers' protest, instead of fanning sentiments.
The Information and Broadcasting Minister also dismissed the Congress' demand that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan step down from his post in view of the deaths of five protesting farmers in police firing. Naidu recalled an incident which occurred on January 12, 1998 in the state's Betul district where 24 farmers had died, allegedly in police firing ordered by then chief minister and Congress leader Digvijay Singh. He asked why did Singh did not step down after the deaths of farmers who were seeking compensation following losses caused by hailstorm in the district.
"Did the Congress president visit the victim farmers then?" Naidu asked. He assured farmers of Madhya Pradesh that the state government was taking all possible steps to deal with the issue of drop in prices of certain agricultural produce.
"It is unfortunate that the Congress is trying to politicise the issue. It is instigating, fuelling violence in the state of Madhya Pradesh," Naidu alleged.
"The Congress vice-president now wants to visit the place as part of his photo opportunity yatra which he undertakes on a regular basis," the minister quipped.
Defending Chouhan, Naidu hailed him as the "most farmer- friendly chief minister" who took quick measures to control the present situation in the state, which he said has registered highest growth rate vis--vis agriculture sector.
Naidu also listed a slew of measures the Centre and state government had undertaken in for the welfare of the farmers, including efforts of increasing irrigated area size and making available adequate electricity and seeds.
Naidu asked the Congress to behave in a "more mature and responsible" manner to help restore normalcy in the hotbed of the farmers' protest, instead of fanning sentiments.
The Information and Broadcasting Minister also dismissed the Congress' demand that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan step down from his post in view of the deaths of five protesting farmers in police firing. Naidu recalled an incident which occurred on January 12, 1998 in the state's Betul district where 24 farmers had died, allegedly in police firing ordered by then chief minister and Congress leader Digvijay Singh. He asked why did Singh did not step down after the deaths of farmers who were seeking compensation following losses caused by hailstorm in the district.
"Did the Congress president visit the victim farmers then?" Naidu asked. He assured farmers of Madhya Pradesh that the state government was taking all possible steps to deal with the issue of drop in prices of certain agricultural produce.
"It is unfortunate that the Congress is trying to politicise the issue. It is instigating, fuelling violence in the state of Madhya Pradesh," Naidu alleged.
"The Congress vice-president now wants to visit the place as part of his photo opportunity yatra which he undertakes on a regular basis," the minister quipped.
Defending Chouhan, Naidu hailed him as the "most farmer- friendly chief minister" who took quick measures to control the present situation in the state, which he said has registered highest growth rate vis--vis agriculture sector.
Naidu also listed a slew of measures the Centre and state government had undertaken in for the welfare of the farmers, including efforts of increasing irrigated area size and making available adequate electricity and seeds.
14:09 Rahul detained: Slams govt's bullets for farmers, relief for rich policy
Rahul Gandhi was stopped ahead of Neemuch near Mandsaur. He has been detained and taken into preventive custody and will be taken to a guesthouse. Section 144 has been imposed in Mandsaur which means a crowd cannot gather.
The Congress VP said, "I only wanted to meet farmers who are the citizens of this country. No reason has been given for my arrest. PM can only give bullets to farmers. They arrested me in UP and MP also. Farmers can't be given bonus, compensation, loan waivers, the PM can only give bullets to farmers. The government can give relief to the rich of Rs 1.50,000 crore, but only 'goli' (bullets) for the farmers. ."
The Congress VP said, "I only wanted to meet farmers who are the citizens of this country. No reason has been given for my arrest. PM can only give bullets to farmers. They arrested me in UP and MP also. Farmers can't be given bonus, compensation, loan waivers, the PM can only give bullets to farmers. The government can give relief to the rich of Rs 1.50,000 crore, but only 'goli' (bullets) for the farmers. ."
14:02 The guilty privilege of being a white woman in India
"My white skin was, for many, my biggest asset -- and indeed through the years I spent in India, my white privilege cloak worked as an armor to keep me safe, and as a passcode to grant me admission to circles of society much higher than what I belonged to." Read the story here.
Representational image.
Representational image.
13:57 An agrarian crisis like never before
Extreme weather events and lack of policies and mechanisms to drought-proof susceptible areas are crippling rural economy. Read the report here.
13:48 Rahul: Govt has only 'goli' for farmers
Hundreds of Congress workers as well as senior leaders like Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot and Madhya Pradesh legislator Jaiwardhan Singh also courted arrest. They were being taken to a guesthouse of a cement company, a police official said.
Gandhi, also accompanied by senior party leaders Digvijay Singh and Kamal Nath, defied elaborate police arrangements to prevent him from entering the state.
Slogans of "Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan" and "Rahul Gandhi zindabad" could be heard as the procession made its way towards Mandsaur, the ground zero of the farmer unrest where five people were killed on Tuesday, from Naya Gaon in Neemuch.
There was high drama as the police tried to stop what had turned into a rally of sorts with Gandhi leading from the front. When police tried to push him back, he entered a field and was detained. Determined to meet the families of farmers in distress, he walked for close to 100 metres before entering Madhya Pradesh from Dalia village in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh district, police said.
"Before entering MP, Gandhi rode pillion on a motorcycle in Nimbahed in Chittorgarh district for about five to seven kilometres,' IG Udaipur Anand Srivastava told PTI.
Gandhi, also accompanied by senior party leaders Digvijay Singh and Kamal Nath, defied elaborate police arrangements to prevent him from entering the state.
Slogans of "Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan" and "Rahul Gandhi zindabad" could be heard as the procession made its way towards Mandsaur, the ground zero of the farmer unrest where five people were killed on Tuesday, from Naya Gaon in Neemuch.
There was high drama as the police tried to stop what had turned into a rally of sorts with Gandhi leading from the front. When police tried to push him back, he entered a field and was detained. Determined to meet the families of farmers in distress, he walked for close to 100 metres before entering Madhya Pradesh from Dalia village in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh district, police said.
"Before entering MP, Gandhi rode pillion on a motorcycle in Nimbahed in Chittorgarh district for about five to seven kilometres,' IG Udaipur Anand Srivastava told PTI.
13:12 What law of land says its illegal to stand in solidarity with farmers: Rahul
@OfficeOfRG tweets: Raj & MP Govts are doing their best to prevent me from entering MP & meeting the families of the #farmers killed in #Mandsaur. What law of the land says that it is illegal to stand in solidarity with farmers who were killed simply for demanding what is their right?
13:12 What law of land says its illegal to stand in solidarity with farmers: Rahul
@OfficeOfRG tweets: Raj & MP Govts are doing their best to prevent me from entering MP & meeting the families of the #farmers killed in #Mandsaur. What law of the land says that it is illegal to stand in solidarity with farmers who were killed simply for demanding what is their right?
13:04 En route to Mandsaur, Rahul hops on to bike to evade police
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi hops on to a motorcycle after his convoy is stopped on the way to Mandsaur.
Gandhi flew in to Udaipur today from where he took the road to travel to Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh.
There is heavy police bandobast around Mandsaur, and Neemuch SP, Manoj Kumar Singh, who replaced the earlier SP OP Tripathi after the farmer deaths in police firing, said the Congress leader will not be allowed to enter.
From Udaipur, Mandsaur is about 180 km away. At some point in the dusty journey, Rahul swapped vehicles and went pillion. Rajasthan Congress chief and a close aide, Sachin Pilot, also did likewise. The Congress VP said the MP government was stopping him from meeting the families of farmers.
Mandsaur is under curfew after days of relentless protests ended in five deaths of farmers.
At least 700 policemen have guarded the border where the Congress convoy was expected to enter the troubled district.
For over a week, a large group of farmers have been protesting in Mandsaur, demanding better prices for their crop and loan waivers.
Today, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh confirmed today the death of five farmers in the clashes was because of police firing, which he had vehemently denied earlier.
Yesterday, Mr Gandhi announced on Twitter that he would travel to the state that has continuously voted the BJP since 2003.
This is not the first time, Rahul has hopped on to a bike ditching his convoy. In 2011, Rahul rode pillion to the Bhatta and Parsaul villages in UP at the height of the farmers' agitation. Incidentally, the man who drove the bike, has joined the BJP.
Gandhi flew in to Udaipur today from where he took the road to travel to Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh.
There is heavy police bandobast around Mandsaur, and Neemuch SP, Manoj Kumar Singh, who replaced the earlier SP OP Tripathi after the farmer deaths in police firing, said the Congress leader will not be allowed to enter.
From Udaipur, Mandsaur is about 180 km away. At some point in the dusty journey, Rahul swapped vehicles and went pillion. Rajasthan Congress chief and a close aide, Sachin Pilot, also did likewise. The Congress VP said the MP government was stopping him from meeting the families of farmers.
Mandsaur is under curfew after days of relentless protests ended in five deaths of farmers.
At least 700 policemen have guarded the border where the Congress convoy was expected to enter the troubled district.
For over a week, a large group of farmers have been protesting in Mandsaur, demanding better prices for their crop and loan waivers.
Today, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh confirmed today the death of five farmers in the clashes was because of police firing, which he had vehemently denied earlier.
Yesterday, Mr Gandhi announced on Twitter that he would travel to the state that has continuously voted the BJP since 2003.
This is not the first time, Rahul has hopped on to a bike ditching his convoy. In 2011, Rahul rode pillion to the Bhatta and Parsaul villages in UP at the height of the farmers' agitation. Incidentally, the man who drove the bike, has joined the BJP.
12:35 Australia needs to stop worrying about Islamophobia: Muslim psychiatrist
In the wake of the United Kingdom's third terrorist attack in 10 weeks, Dr Tanveer Ahmed, a psychiatrist practicing in Sydney says the mainstream media and politicians also needed to acknowledge terrorists were following the Koran. "It's grounded in scripture. People who commit terrorism, they are actually more devout than many other Muslims. Their actions don't come out of thin air, they're following strict instructions," he said. Read more
12:24 Early results for UK poll by 3:30 am (IST)
UK polls close at 10 pm UK time (2.30 am IST) with results expected to begin rolling in within an hour or so after voting finishes. UK PM Theresa May, 60, called the election three years earlier than scheduled ahead of what are expected to be tough negotiations with the European Union over Britain's exit from the 28- member-bloc.
12:19
Blast hits premises of the United States embassy in Ukraine's capital city Kiev: Media reports
11:59 Polling begins for Britain's general elections
Just in: Polling begins for Britain's general elections.
Polls opened at 7 am across 40,000 polling stations in Britain with counting starting once voting ends at 10 pm (UK time).
A total of 650 MPs will be elected, with about 46.9 million people registered to vote, reports the BBC.
That is up from the last general election, in 2015, when there were 46.4 million registered voters.
Some votes have already been cast, through postal voting, which accounted for 16.4% of the total electorate at the 2015 general election.
Overall turnout in 2015, when the Conservatives won 331 out of 650 seats, was 66.4%, up from 2010.
Most polling stations are in schools, community centres and parish halls, but pubs, a launderette and a school bus have been used in the past.
A handful of seats are expected to be declared by midnight, with the final results expected on Friday afternoon. -- BBC
Polls opened at 7 am across 40,000 polling stations in Britain with counting starting once voting ends at 10 pm (UK time).
A total of 650 MPs will be elected, with about 46.9 million people registered to vote, reports the BBC.
That is up from the last general election, in 2015, when there were 46.4 million registered voters.
Some votes have already been cast, through postal voting, which accounted for 16.4% of the total electorate at the 2015 general election.
Overall turnout in 2015, when the Conservatives won 331 out of 650 seats, was 66.4%, up from 2010.
Most polling stations are in schools, community centres and parish halls, but pubs, a launderette and a school bus have been used in the past.
A handful of seats are expected to be declared by midnight, with the final results expected on Friday afternoon. -- BBC
11:48
Main accused in Saharanpur violence, Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar arrested by UP STF from Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh.
11:44 Condition in Kashmir will be normal soon: Army chief
In an interaction with ANI, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that the condition in Kashmir will be normal soon.
This statement of the Army Chief comes at a time when the situation in Kashmir remains volatile with protesters carrying out violent demonstrations against the army, some protests taking place in the middle of active operations launched by security forces against Pakistan sponsored terrorists in the valley.
The Army Chief added social media is an important tool being used by Pakistan to create unrest in Kashmir.
He said, "Pakistan is spreading disinformation among the youth of Kashmir with doctored videos and messages. This is further supported by some of the people in the valley who spread it and glamorize the young boys who have joined terrorist organisations.
"The government estimates of active terrorists in the valley stand at 200, a marked reduction in numbers as compared to previous years, however, terror groups like JuD have gone for a tactical shift -- vigorous use of social media.
Also on the Government radar are social media networks like WhatsApp groups which aid in the spread of disinformation to stone-pelting protesters. JuD has taken out advertisements to join its 'workshops' to wage a social media war in Kashmir."
This statement of the Army Chief comes at a time when the situation in Kashmir remains volatile with protesters carrying out violent demonstrations against the army, some protests taking place in the middle of active operations launched by security forces against Pakistan sponsored terrorists in the valley.
The Army Chief added social media is an important tool being used by Pakistan to create unrest in Kashmir.
He said, "Pakistan is spreading disinformation among the youth of Kashmir with doctored videos and messages. This is further supported by some of the people in the valley who spread it and glamorize the young boys who have joined terrorist organisations.
"The government estimates of active terrorists in the valley stand at 200, a marked reduction in numbers as compared to previous years, however, terror groups like JuD have gone for a tactical shift -- vigorous use of social media.
Also on the Government radar are social media networks like WhatsApp groups which aid in the spread of disinformation to stone-pelting protesters. JuD has taken out advertisements to join its 'workshops' to wage a social media war in Kashmir."
11:37 Army ready for two-and-half-front war: Rawat
Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, in an interaction with ANI, said that the Indian army is well prepared to face external, as well as internal threats to the country.
Speaking to ANI General Bipin Rawat said, "Indian Army is fully ready for a two-and-a-half-front war".
The Army Chief added that even though India is ready for a multi-front war there are effective mechanisms available to defuse an adverse situation. "Even the PM has stated that for the last forty years not even a single bullet has been fired on the Indo-China border," said General Rawat.
Speaking to ANI General Bipin Rawat said, "Indian Army is fully ready for a two-and-a-half-front war".
The Army Chief added that even though India is ready for a multi-front war there are effective mechanisms available to defuse an adverse situation. "Even the PM has stated that for the last forty years not even a single bullet has been fired on the Indo-China border," said General Rawat.
11:32 DC bars will open early for comeys testimony
Twitter groaned Monday when journalist Marin Cogan tweeted out her discovery that Shaw's Tavern, a bar and restaurant on Florida Ave., Northwest, would be opening early this Thursday so it could screen former FBI Director James Comey's appearance before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The responses in the first few minutes ranged from nerdy endorsement to burn-'This Town'-down cynicism. Read more
11:31 I need loyalty, I expect loyalty, Trump told Comey
US President Donald Trump feels "completely and totally vindicated" by the testimony of fired FBI director James Comey who alleged that he was asked by him to drop the probe against former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, according to his private lawyer.
Comey's seven-page written testimony that was meant as his opening statement during his Congressional hearing tomorrow was released a day ahead by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
In the testimony, Comey alleged that Trump asked him for a pledge of loyalty and told him to drop an inquiry into Flynn. Comey also said that he informed Trump that he was not under FBI investigation. "The President feels completely and totally vindicated," Marc Kasowitz, an attorney representing Trump in the special counsel probe into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, said in a statement. "He is eager to move forward with his agenda," he said.
Comey, who was fired by Trump last month, dropped the bombshell by his
statement which many experts say could be seen as obstruction to justice.
According to Comey, Trump also made a long series of comments about the problem with leaks of classified information. Comey recounted a January 27 private dinner in the White House Green Room with the president.
"I need loyalty, I expect loyalty'," Comey quoted Trump as saying. Comey continued: "I didn't move, speak, or change my facial expression in any way during the awkward silence that followed. We simply looked at each other in silence."
Comey states that Trump asked him on several occasions to publicly state that he was not under investigation. But Comey also confirmed in his statement that he told Trump he was not under investigation, as Trump asserted in his letter to Comey explaining his firing. Comey said that he considered Trump's request on Flynn "very concerning, given the FBI's role as an independent investigative agency" but decided to keep it "very closely held." "The FBI leadership team agreed with me that it was important not to infect the investigative team with the President's request, which we did not intend to abide," Comey wrote. "We also concluded that, given that it was a one-on-one conversation, there was nothing available to corroborate my account."
Comey's seven-page written testimony that was meant as his opening statement during his Congressional hearing tomorrow was released a day ahead by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
In the testimony, Comey alleged that Trump asked him for a pledge of loyalty and told him to drop an inquiry into Flynn. Comey also said that he informed Trump that he was not under FBI investigation. "The President feels completely and totally vindicated," Marc Kasowitz, an attorney representing Trump in the special counsel probe into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, said in a statement. "He is eager to move forward with his agenda," he said.
Comey, who was fired by Trump last month, dropped the bombshell by his
statement which many experts say could be seen as obstruction to justice.
According to Comey, Trump also made a long series of comments about the problem with leaks of classified information. Comey recounted a January 27 private dinner in the White House Green Room with the president.
"I need loyalty, I expect loyalty'," Comey quoted Trump as saying. Comey continued: "I didn't move, speak, or change my facial expression in any way during the awkward silence that followed. We simply looked at each other in silence."
Comey states that Trump asked him on several occasions to publicly state that he was not under investigation. But Comey also confirmed in his statement that he told Trump he was not under investigation, as Trump asserted in his letter to Comey explaining his firing. Comey said that he considered Trump's request on Flynn "very concerning, given the FBI's role as an independent investigative agency" but decided to keep it "very closely held." "The FBI leadership team agreed with me that it was important not to infect the investigative team with the President's request, which we did not intend to abide," Comey wrote. "We also concluded that, given that it was a one-on-one conversation, there was nothing available to corroborate my account."
11:26 The moment London Bridge terrorists were shot by the police
Heart-stopping video shows moment armed police gunned down London Bridge terrorists in a hail of bullets seconds after all three jihadis stabbed a passer-by - who miraculously got to his feet. Watch
11:17
Toll plaza vandalised in Mandsaur, Rs 8-10 lakhs looted.
11:12 Mandsaur farmers killed in police firing, admits MP home minister
Just in: Madhya Pradesh home minister Bhupendra Singh accepted today that the death of the five farmers in Mandsaur was due to police firing. He had denied it earlier. The HM told ANI that it has been established in a probe that the farmers were killed in police firing. The postmortem report of farmers killed in Mandsaur firing has been handed over to the inquiry committee, marks of bullets found on bodies, reports ANI.
The farmers have all along maintained that Tuesday's protests which claimed the lives of five farmers was due to police firing after protestors turned violent, throwing rocks at the police and setting vehicles on fire.
The Shivraj Singh Chouhan government is believed to be considering waiving interest on farm loans, but not loan waivers which could benefit over six lakh farmers at a cost of around Rs 2,000 crore to the taxpayer.
The farmers have all along maintained that Tuesday's protests which claimed the lives of five farmers was due to police firing after protestors turned violent, throwing rocks at the police and setting vehicles on fire.
The Shivraj Singh Chouhan government is believed to be considering waiving interest on farm loans, but not loan waivers which could benefit over six lakh farmers at a cost of around Rs 2,000 crore to the taxpayer.
11:05 Army foils infiltration bid, two militants, jawan killed
Two militants and a jawan were killed as the Army foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Naugam sector in north Kashmir's Kupwara district today.
This is the second successful anti-infiltration operation by the Army in the last 24 hours and the fourth such along the LoC in less than a fortnight in north Kashmir.
"Alert troops foil another infiltration bid in Naugam sector. Two terrorists have been killed, while one soldier has been martyred," an Army official said. He said the operation was on and further details are awaited.
Yesterday, three heavily-armed militants were killed in a gunbattle in the district as Army foiled a major infiltration bid along the LoC.
On May 26, the Army killed two Pakistani Border Action Team (BAT) members who tried to infiltrate into Uri sector in Baramulla district to carry out an attack on the soldiers. Six more militants were killed in the same sector next day when they attempted to sneak into the Valley from across the border.
This is the second successful anti-infiltration operation by the Army in the last 24 hours and the fourth such along the LoC in less than a fortnight in north Kashmir.
"Alert troops foil another infiltration bid in Naugam sector. Two terrorists have been killed, while one soldier has been martyred," an Army official said. He said the operation was on and further details are awaited.
Yesterday, three heavily-armed militants were killed in a gunbattle in the district as Army foiled a major infiltration bid along the LoC.
On May 26, the Army killed two Pakistani Border Action Team (BAT) members who tried to infiltrate into Uri sector in Baramulla district to carry out an attack on the soldiers. Six more militants were killed in the same sector next day when they attempted to sneak into the Valley from across the border.
10:55 The What and When of the Comey testimony
James B. Comey, the former director of the F.B.I., will be testifying in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday. The New York Times' breakdown of how you can follow along.
What: Mr. Comey, who was fired by President Trump last month, is expected to discuss their interactions about the F.B.I.'s investigation into possible links between Mr. Trump's associates and the Russian effort to tamper in last year's presidential election.
When: The hearing starts on Thursday at 10 a.m. It will begin with prepared opening remarks and then transition into a question-and-answer period with members of the Senate panel. Mr. Comey's testimony will take place in two parts -- one open to the public in the morning and one closed-door session in the afternoon.
Where: The Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill.
What: Mr. Comey, who was fired by President Trump last month, is expected to discuss their interactions about the F.B.I.'s investigation into possible links between Mr. Trump's associates and the Russian effort to tamper in last year's presidential election.
When: The hearing starts on Thursday at 10 a.m. It will begin with prepared opening remarks and then transition into a question-and-answer period with members of the Senate panel. Mr. Comey's testimony will take place in two parts -- one open to the public in the morning and one closed-door session in the afternoon.
Where: The Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill.
10:50
J&K: infiltration bid foiled in Naugam sector, one soldier, two terrorists killed; operation continues.
10:43 Won't allow visit, says police as Rahul's convoy heads to Mandsaur
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi who reached Udaipur airport is now on his way to Mandsaur by road to meet the kin of those killed during the farmers agitation. However, Neemuch SP, Manoj Kumar Singh, said the Congress leader will not be allowed to visit violence-hit Mandsaur.
To bring you up to speed, the Madhya Pradesh government has transferred Mandsaur Collector Swatantra Kumar Singh, who has now been replaced by OP Srivastava. Mandsaur SP OP Tripathi has also been transferred.
Union minister Venkaiah Naidu and the BJP has hit out at the Congress for "hijacking" the protest in Mandsaur. "It is a very sad turn of events in a state that is the most peaceful in India. The Congress is trying to politicise farmers' problems after they failed to counter Shivraj Singh Chouhan politically in the state," he said. BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said photo-op tourism will not benefit Rahul Gandhi at all.
Farmers in western Madhya Pradesh have been protesting since June 1 over various demands. The protesters have been demanding higher minimum support prices for their produce and loan waivers among other things.
"Rahul Gandhi is going to that area where the situation is very much tense. He should understand his responsibility. He should have talked about this first, but he is so fond of his publicity. That's why he is going there," Union Minister of Steel, Mines and Employment Narendra Singh Tomar said.
Meanwhile, the Congress has rebuffed reports of Gandhi participating in the ongoing farmers protest in Mandsaur, saying such a plan was never on the card for the party.
"People who wanted to go and express solidarity with the bereaved farmers, including Rahul Gandhi, were denied permission. Instead canards and rumours were spread that he wanted to go earlier to participate in the protest. There were never any plans, never any attempt," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in a press briefing here.
Appealing for peace to the agitating farmers in the state, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a compensation of Rs. 1 crore to the kin of those killed in the violence.
Image: Rahul Gandhi at Udaipur airport this morning. He will be heading to Mandsaur by road.
To bring you up to speed, the Madhya Pradesh government has transferred Mandsaur Collector Swatantra Kumar Singh, who has now been replaced by OP Srivastava. Mandsaur SP OP Tripathi has also been transferred.
Union minister Venkaiah Naidu and the BJP has hit out at the Congress for "hijacking" the protest in Mandsaur. "It is a very sad turn of events in a state that is the most peaceful in India. The Congress is trying to politicise farmers' problems after they failed to counter Shivraj Singh Chouhan politically in the state," he said. BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said photo-op tourism will not benefit Rahul Gandhi at all.
Farmers in western Madhya Pradesh have been protesting since June 1 over various demands. The protesters have been demanding higher minimum support prices for their produce and loan waivers among other things.
"Rahul Gandhi is going to that area where the situation is very much tense. He should understand his responsibility. He should have talked about this first, but he is so fond of his publicity. That's why he is going there," Union Minister of Steel, Mines and Employment Narendra Singh Tomar said.
Meanwhile, the Congress has rebuffed reports of Gandhi participating in the ongoing farmers protest in Mandsaur, saying such a plan was never on the card for the party.
"People who wanted to go and express solidarity with the bereaved farmers, including Rahul Gandhi, were denied permission. Instead canards and rumours were spread that he wanted to go earlier to participate in the protest. There were never any plans, never any attempt," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in a press briefing here.
Appealing for peace to the agitating farmers in the state, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a compensation of Rs. 1 crore to the kin of those killed in the violence.
Image: Rahul Gandhi at Udaipur airport this morning. He will be heading to Mandsaur by road.
10:19 CRPF vehicle turns turtle during stone pelting in Kashmir
While on J&K, 12 CRPF jawans suffered minor injuries after their vehicle overturned during stone pelting in Shopian last evening. The driver lost control of the vehicle after it was being pelted with stones and the vehicle toppled. All the jawans have been discharged after treatment.
10:16
@ShivAroor tweets: Two infiltrating terrorists killed at LoC Naugam. One soldier dies fighting. Ops still on.
10:14 Encounter in Uri: 2 soldiers injured, terrorists still at large
At least two soldiers were injured in an encounter with about five
terrorists in Uri along the Line of Control. The encounter is still on and no reports of the whereabouts of the terrorists.
A tense situation prevails along the LoC as Pakistan is pushing more and more terrorists across the Line of Control as snow melts, which is what Army Chief Bipin Rawat had warned.
There are reports that Pakistan has scattered terrorists in small groups along the Line of Control to carry out multiple attacks on Indian forces. The Indian Army has redeployed and reshuffled its troops to tackle any new threat in the Valley.
File pic.
A tense situation prevails along the LoC as Pakistan is pushing more and more terrorists across the Line of Control as snow melts, which is what Army Chief Bipin Rawat had warned.
There are reports that Pakistan has scattered terrorists in small groups along the Line of Control to carry out multiple attacks on Indian forces. The Indian Army has redeployed and reshuffled its troops to tackle any new threat in the Valley.
File pic.
10:02 Congress provoking violence in MP: BJP
After the government decided to deploy five more battalions in Mandsaur,
where five people were killed in firing to curb violence, the BJP lashed out at the Opposition asserting that Congress
was using this agitation to provoke violence in the state.
Speaking to ANI, BJP leader GVL Narsimha Rao said, "This government had taken a series of decision towards the farmers and their demands. The Congress still cannot stand the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the state. The Congress is using this agitation of the farmers for themselves to provoke violence from within and giving their party a violent colour."
Further hitting out at the Congress again, another BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya stated that Congress needs to be blamed as they are grabbing focus in this violence.
"Madhya Pradesh is a very peaceful place and will continue to be so. The BJP has always done well for the farmers and have also paid heed to all their demands. We are trying our best to curb the violence and also will resort to all their demands. The whole reason behind this situation is 'Congress' who needs to be blamed as they are grabbing focus in this violence. The people in that village are smarter than Rahul and would also know his plan behind his visit," Vijayvargiya told ANI.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (SP) O.P. Tripathi on Thursday stated that continuous patrolling was on and violence was curbed.
Speaking to ANI, BJP leader GVL Narsimha Rao said, "This government had taken a series of decision towards the farmers and their demands. The Congress still cannot stand the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the state. The Congress is using this agitation of the farmers for themselves to provoke violence from within and giving their party a violent colour."
Further hitting out at the Congress again, another BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya stated that Congress needs to be blamed as they are grabbing focus in this violence.
"Madhya Pradesh is a very peaceful place and will continue to be so. The BJP has always done well for the farmers and have also paid heed to all their demands. We are trying our best to curb the violence and also will resort to all their demands. The whole reason behind this situation is 'Congress' who needs to be blamed as they are grabbing focus in this violence. The people in that village are smarter than Rahul and would also know his plan behind his visit," Vijayvargiya told ANI.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (SP) O.P. Tripathi on Thursday stated that continuous patrolling was on and violence was curbed.
09:55 PM Modi to leave for Kazakhstan for SCO summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday leave for Kazakhstan's Astana for the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. India is set to become a full member of the SCO during the two-day summit to be held at Astana.
Prime Minister Modi will also hold bilateral talks with Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev for boosting ties in the fields of trade and commerce, education, tourism and other sectors.
Briefing media in Delhi last evening, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "India will be benefited in trade and economic activity after it becomes a full member. He said that trade, connectivity, energy, banking and fight against terrorism are the main areas of cooperation."
Prime Minister Modi will also hold bilateral talks with Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev for boosting ties in the fields of trade and commerce, education, tourism and other sectors.
Briefing media in Delhi last evening, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "India will be benefited in trade and economic activity after it becomes a full member. He said that trade, connectivity, energy, banking and fight against terrorism are the main areas of cooperation."
09:53 'Do or die' over loan waivers as farmers intensify stir
Thousands of Maharashtra farmers to flock to Nashik on Thursday, plan to take protests nationwide. Read more
09:44 Now, BJP MLA wants momos banned
BJP MLA Ramesh Arora of Jammu and Kashmir says he wants much-loved momos banned because they contain the carcinogenic monosodium glutamate or Ajinomoto.
He has been campaigning for a ban on the dumplings, popularly called momos, saying they have been found to be the root cause of several life-threatening diseases, including cancer of the intestine.
The Hindustan Times reports that the MLA has been speaking at public functions for the past five months, seeking a ban on the sale of momos at least in his state.
The lawmaker has also vowed to ban cancer-causing taste enhancer monosodium glutamate, sold under the brand name Ajinomoto.
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Arora said that Ajinomoto, a kind of salt, causes serious diseases, including cancer. It is responsible for converting a minor headache into migraine.
Arora met state health minister Bali Bhagat recently to persuade him to prohibit the sale of momos and Chinese street food.
But he isn't against food prepared hygienically and without harmful ingredients.
What he is against are momos that are steamed or fried and prepared in slums across Jammu. Consequently, his campaign has crimped momo sales in Jammu by 35%.
The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute concluded after a study in 2007 that Ajinomoto causes stomach cancer. The WHO declared it unsafe in 2004.
He has been campaigning for a ban on the dumplings, popularly called momos, saying they have been found to be the root cause of several life-threatening diseases, including cancer of the intestine.
The Hindustan Times reports that the MLA has been speaking at public functions for the past five months, seeking a ban on the sale of momos at least in his state.
The lawmaker has also vowed to ban cancer-causing taste enhancer monosodium glutamate, sold under the brand name Ajinomoto.
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Arora said that Ajinomoto, a kind of salt, causes serious diseases, including cancer. It is responsible for converting a minor headache into migraine.
Arora met state health minister Bali Bhagat recently to persuade him to prohibit the sale of momos and Chinese street food.
But he isn't against food prepared hygienically and without harmful ingredients.
What he is against are momos that are steamed or fried and prepared in slums across Jammu. Consequently, his campaign has crimped momo sales in Jammu by 35%.
The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute concluded after a study in 2007 that Ajinomoto causes stomach cancer. The WHO declared it unsafe in 2004.
09:30 'The State should not enter the kitchen'
When the Centre introduced a new notification banning the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets, S Selvagomathy, a vegetarian, decided to challenge it in court. The Madurai-based lawyer-activist and managing trustee of the Justice Shivaraj V Patil Foundation for Social Legal Education and Development, tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier why the new rule violates human rights. Read the full interview here.
09:24 MP violence: Collector, SP of Mandsaur district removed
The District Collector and Superintendent of Police of Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh have been removed following large-scale violence during farmers' protest in the district.
The district remained tense following the death of five farmers in alleged police firing on Tuesday.
Widespread violence, including several incidents of arson, were reported from western Madhya Pradesh, especially Mandsaur and Dewas districts, on the seventh day of farmers' agitation.
The Centre rushed 1,100 anti-riots police personnel to Mandsaur.
Though Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of the five farmers, it didn't seem to have mollified the protesters who are demanding better prices for their produce and a complete farm loan waiver. -- Agencies
IMAGE: A charted bus in flames after it was torched by farmers at Bhopal-Indore highway. Photograph: PTI Photo
The district remained tense following the death of five farmers in alleged police firing on Tuesday.
Widespread violence, including several incidents of arson, were reported from western Madhya Pradesh, especially Mandsaur and Dewas districts, on the seventh day of farmers' agitation.
The Centre rushed 1,100 anti-riots police personnel to Mandsaur.
Though Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of the five farmers, it didn't seem to have mollified the protesters who are demanding better prices for their produce and a complete farm loan waiver. -- Agencies
IMAGE: A charted bus in flames after it was torched by farmers at Bhopal-Indore highway. Photograph: PTI Photo
09:08 Trying to bring back wounded Indian sailor from Somalia hospital: Sushma
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Indian mission in Kenya is trying to bring back an injured Gujarati sailor who has been admitted to a hospital in Somalia.
Hamid Juneja, 30, went to Somalia aboard the Sri Lankan ship Fahad. He broke his leg and suffered other injuries while unloading cargo on May 21, in Kisamayu in Juba district. He was first hospitalised at Kismaayu General Hospital was later admitted to the Turkish Hospital in the Somalian capital Mogadishu.
An organisation of sailors had written to Swaraj seeking her help in the case.
"On learning about this accident, Hamid Juneja was got admitted and operated upon in Turkish hospital in Mogadishu," Swaraj tweeted.
"Our mission officials are in touch with Hamid's family to facilitate his return to India with a nurse," she said.
Swaraj also appreciated Indian High Commissioner Suchitra Durai and her team for helping him.
09:03 Update: Indian American among 12 astronauts chosen by NASA
NASA has chosen 12 new astronauts, including an Indian-American, from a record number of over 18,000 applicants, who will be trained for missions into Earth orbit and to deep space.
The seven men and five women comprise the 22nd class of American spaceflight trainees since 1959. This is the largest group NASA has selected in almost two decades.
It was selected from a record 18,300 applicants -- more than NASA has ever had during an open astronaut call.
Lt Col Raja "Grinder" Chari, 39, is a commander of
the 461st Flight Test Squadron and the director of the F-35 Integrated Test
Force at Edwards Air Force Base in California .
Hailing from
To get picked, people had to meet some physical requirements as well as certain education and experience criteria -- such as having a bachelor's degree in a STEM field or accumulating up to 1,000 hours of piloting jets.
But it's clear that this new class greatly surpasses all the minimum skills that NASA requires.
08:30 Rahul Gandhi leaves for violence-hit Mandsaur
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has left for Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur to meet family of those killed during farmers' agitation.
Earlier, he was disallowed by the Madhya Pradesh government to visit the region and it is unlikely that the administration will allow him to proceed to the troubled area.
The Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party for 'acting as a curse of death for Indian farmers' and slammed it for stopping Gandhi from meeting the families of the victims.
The BJP, however, alleged a 'conspiracy' behind the agitation, and asked the Congress vice president to refrain from 'politicising the death of farmers' in the state.
At least five persons have been killed in the violence during the protest.
The farmers have been protesting since June 1 demanding higher minimum support prices (MSP) for their produce and loan waiver among other things.
"Farmers of Madhya Pradesh are peace-loving. They do not indulge in violent activities. There is a conspiracy behind this entire incident.
"Those who do not want peace and prosperity in the state and can not see the BJP government functioning smoothly are behind this incident," Rural Development Minister Narender Singh Tomar said.
Tomar, who represents Gwalior seat in Lok Sabha, said farmers in Madhya Pradesh are the most prosperous in the country.
Replying to a question on Rahul Gandhi's scheduled visit to the protest site, the minister said he should not 'politicise' the death of farmers.
Naidu also hit out at the Congress for 'hijacking' the protest in Mandsaur. -- Agencies
Earlier, he was disallowed by the Madhya Pradesh government to visit the region and it is unlikely that the administration will allow him to proceed to the troubled area.
The Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party for 'acting as a curse of death for Indian farmers' and slammed it for stopping Gandhi from meeting the families of the victims.
The BJP, however, alleged a 'conspiracy' behind the agitation, and asked the Congress vice president to refrain from 'politicising the death of farmers' in the state.
At least five persons have been killed in the violence during the protest.
The farmers have been protesting since June 1 demanding higher minimum support prices (MSP) for their produce and loan waiver among other things.
"Farmers of Madhya Pradesh are peace-loving. They do not indulge in violent activities. There is a conspiracy behind this entire incident.
"Those who do not want peace and prosperity in the state and can not see the BJP government functioning smoothly are behind this incident," Rural Development Minister Narender Singh Tomar said.
Tomar, who represents Gwalior seat in Lok Sabha, said farmers in Madhya Pradesh are the most prosperous in the country.
Replying to a question on Rahul Gandhi's scheduled visit to the protest site, the minister said he should not 'politicise' the death of farmers.
Naidu also hit out at the Congress for 'hijacking' the protest in Mandsaur. -- Agencies
00:37 Petrol bomb thrown at BJP office in Kerala
Two unidentified persons on a two-wheeler on Wednesday hurled a 'petrol' bomb at the BJP's district office in Thiruvananthapuram, police said.
No one was in the office when the incident took place.
A chair in front of the office was found in a burnt condition, police said.
BJP district president S Suresh alleged that CPI-M was behind the attack and said the incident happened at about 8.30 pm. He said police came to the spot very late.
Suresh said the party has called for a 12-hour shutdown from 6 am to 6 pm in the district on Thursday.
The attack comes in the backdrop of the attempt to manhandle CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury in New Delhi by two men who claimed they were members of a group called Hindu Sena.
00:36 Top headlines at this hour
- Farmer protests spread across MP; Centre rushes 1,100 RAF personnel
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